1-Getting started: Getting started with Mexican stuffed shells is simple and fun let’s walk through it step by step. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure everything bakes evenly. Cook the 20 jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, then drain and lay them out on a baking sheet to keep them from sticking.

2-Next: in a pan, brown 1 pound of ground beef or ground turkey until it’s no longer pink. Add 1 package of taco seasoning and follow the package directions to mix it in. Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese, cover the pan, and simmer until the cream cheese melts, then mix well and let it cool completely this step makes the filling creamy and flavorful.

3-Pour: 1 1/2 cups of salsa into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish for that authentic base. Stuff each shell with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and arrange them open-side up in the dish. Cover the shells evenly with 1 cup of taco sauce, then cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

4-After that: remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a mix, plus 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Finally, top with 3 green onions or optional olives, and serve with sour cream and extra salsa for a complete meal. Remember, for a similar twist, check out our Mexican chicken and rice recipe for more ideas on easy dinners.